Month: June 2021

Buying a new home tends to be costly, especially in today’s real estate landscape, and moving to a new neighborhood or place can disrupt the family routine and way of life. Whether it’s lifestyle changes, welcoming a new family member, or simply taking the opportunity to increase the home’s square footage to boost its value, a room addition makes a lot of sense for many homeowners. The role of a room addition is not only to enhance the livability in the home, but the existing structure as well, thereby adding value to the home.

The layout of older homes can sometimes make adding an addition challenging. Balancing the old with the new, and retaining the house’s characteristics with contemporary multi-functional design can be tricky, but the Art of Blend is an important factor to consider. While a room addition specialist in San Diego can walk you through the intricacies of adding a room onto your property, planning the project and getting to know the basics is key to a successful modern home addition. 

What to know about adding a modern extension to an old house?

The last thing you want is for your house to stand out, but not for the right reasons. From the misuse of material, sloppy design to an incorrect size of the room addition, there are plenty of things that can cause your project to take a wrong turn. An expert contractor will understand that the art of blending the old with the new is paramount when it comes to a successful home addition. Here are some general suggestions on how to make your addition mesh seamlessly with your existing home.

1. Add the room in the back

A room addition shouldn’t pop out visually and distort the layout of the home. The symmetry can stay intact if extending the house from the back is possible. This way, you’ll be able to maintain the overall look of the home.

2. Be mindful of proportions and details

Whether it is the width of the house, window dimensions, or wall material, making sure the design stays in line with the original proportions of the home is crucial to preserving the characteristics of the home. 

The materials you use will surely differ from those used when the house was built. Still, there are so many more material options available today that can emulate the home’s original look so the extension doesn’t look out of place. Study the proportions and floor plans of the house to get a better understanding of where your addition is best suited to be built. Ignoring the proportions and dimensions of the home can result in an extension that not only looks out of place for the house, but for the entire neighborhood as well. 

3. Size matters

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is taking the “go big” route. Unless it’s a home of larger proportions, huge additions are rarely the answer. While homeowners understandably put their focus on getting more space on the interior, they tend to overlook what the room addition will look like from the outside. The original structure should always be the focal point of the home. However, this doesn’t mean an extension can’t be complementary. 

Which company does great room addition projects across San Diego?

Are you looking to expand your old home with a high-quality, room addition with experts who are masters at The Art of Blend? You can count on Lars Architecture for premium design and first-class construction. Whether your home is located in the beautiful seaside neighborhood of La Jolla or another part of San Diego, our experts have got you covered for all things room addition. Get your family ready for more room and a better home life with an exquisite new home addition. Get in touch with our pros, and let’s get to work!

Home addition projects are an excellent investment in terms of the boost in value they bring to a home. They are also a fun and creative project that holds endless possibilities. Are you looking to add a sleek, modern kitchen? Or perhaps a compact bump-out for a home office? Small homes are where the creative juices start flowing and where your taste and sense of style really shine. 

You may feel as if your house is too small for a room addition. Reaching out for some expert advice to a reputable San Diego room addition company is always the most practical thing to do. Still, you can find what type of addition is feasible for your property on your own.

How do you add onto a small house?

Regardless of whether you’re looking to extend your living room, create a grand master suite, or add a new guestroom, small homes shouldn’t be restricted by their size or layout. In fact, there’s so much potential there to unlock. Here are five room addition options for you to explore.

1. Modify existing rooms

One of the easiest ways to add an extra room to a small home is to modify an already existing room. Consider spaces like the basement, garage, or attic. These rooms are ideal for transforming. Convert the garage into an extra guest room, build a man cave in the basement, or yourself a gym in the place of the attic. The structural pieces are already in place, so all you’ll need is to take care of plumbing, and some electrical work. 

2. Build above the garage

If you are looking to add some extra space for a lounge area, or a playroom for the children, building above the garage is another innovative way to do so. While it is important to assess building codes for your neighborhood and of course consult with regard to structural soundness, building above the garage can be an excellent way to accomplish your home expansion goals and have your new room addition fit well with the flow of the old house.

3. Add more space by building up

If you are considering building a master suite, or an additional bathroom, these rooms tend to take a significant chunk of space. Building up or adding a second story is a large-scale room addition project that gives you plenty of freedom to improvise and choose the type of room that best suits your requirements. From walk-in closets to luxurious bathrooms, you name it, anything is possible with a second-story addition.

4. Create an all-weather mudroom

Keep your home tidy and bid farewell to the clutter around the house with an inventive room addition such as a mudroom. Transform the space in your entryway, or in the back of the house, and section off a part of the porch. With a mudroom you get plenty of storage for shoes, coats, and accessories, and less mess inside your home.

Where do I find San Diego’s #1 room addition company?

Finding dependable room addition experts for your small home can prove challenging but is ultimately rewarding. If you reside in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter or another neighborhood in San Diego, Lars Architecture are your go-to room addition experts. Expand your house with a creative addition, and get your family ready for more comfort and overall greater home life. 

Our team renders all types of room additions, from kitchen expansions, ADU constructions to luxe master suites and elegant bathrooms. Reach out to our specialists today to get expert advice on the best addition for your home.